The dog days of summer are here, and these new tunes are perfectly cool. For your tropical vacations and poolside hangs, we’ve got the best new metal, indie, pop-punk, and rock finds that just dropped in July. From Arankai to lolitslea and beyond, these new songs will be your favorite new listens this month.
Arankai — “Meant To Live” (Switchfoot Cover)
Metal artist Arankai just dropped his own cover of Switchfoot’s “Meant To Live” for Hopeless Records’ Songs That Saved My Life. The artist shared, “’Meant To Live’ was my gateway to rock music, and I’m honored that I get to enjoy such a full-circle moment singing this song. As a young kid growing up, I needed an outlet that reflected how I felt and lyrics that impacted me personally. This song managed to do all of that. Switchfoot was the first rock band that I listened to at 12 years old, and they changed how I thought about music. Switchfoot became a great source of inspiration and shaped how I think about rock ‘n roll. Their musical and lyrical inspiration still applies to me today.” You can catch Arankai on tour this fall. Grab tickets here.
lolitslea — “Summer 09”
Following the release of “BURNOUT!! BURNOUT!!” lolitslea is back with a nostalgia-inducing summer bop, aptly titled “Summer 09.” The artist shares, “It was the year between middle school and high school (for me). The first year I had full ‘freedom’ (no summer school, no camps) to ride my bike with my friends, have my first kiss, galivant my neighborhood. A nostalgic-sounding, coming-of-age summer anthem. Inspired by ‘Kids In Love’ by Mayday Parade.” The track is set to appear on lolitslea’s upcoming sophomore record RollerCoaster Tycoon, due out on September 15.
Empires In Orbit — “Cat Eyes”
Empires In Orbit, aka Gary Mann and vocalist Fe Malefiz, has released their new track “Cat Eyes.” Mann shares, “I almost scrapped this song before giving it to Miriam to write vocals to. I wanted to challenge myself to writing a horror trap song and thought I did an ok job, but it was so simple I didn’t think it would work. Miri said send it anyway and we’ll see what happens. Turns out, it’s our banger. Funny how that works.” Catch the new track on their upcoming LP Audiodrome, due on August 14.
